Julianne Malveaux Honors Alexis Herman’s Legacy of Black Women’s Leadership and Reflects on Pope Francis’ Global Fight for Justice

Dr. Julianne Malveaux pays tribute to trailblazer Alexis Herman, the first Black woman U.S. Secretary of Labor, describing her as the embodiment of grace, grit, and glue. From resolving historic labor strikes to mentoring Black women and championing workplace equity, Herman’s impact was deeply felt across political and corporate America. Malveaux reflects on their shared moments and Herman’s unwavering commitment to collective uplift. In the same spirit, Malveaux highlights Pope Francis’ progressive legacy, including his stance on climate justice, immigration, DEI, and solidarity with marginalized communities. As the Catholic Church prepares to choose his successor, she challenges its leaders to continue advancing inclusion and justice. Both Herman and Pope Francis stood firmly with the oppressed—and their examples call on today’s leaders to do the same.